Former minister Bilal Afzal set to join Pakistan selection committee

Former provincial minister Bilal Afzal has been enlisted as a member of the newly constituted seven-person selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Afzal previously held ministerial portfolios for Environment Protection, Forests, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Planning and Development under Punjab's caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who is now serving as PCB chairman and interior minister.

While announcing the inclusion of Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, and Asad Shafiq in the selection committee during the press conference held at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi also mentioned that another member would join the committee as data analyst along with the captain and head coach.

Afzal's appointment to the committee stems from his proficiency in data analysis, which will enable him to offer data-driven insights into player performance.

Moreover, Hassan Cheema, an established data analyst with prior experience working with the PCB, will serve as an ex-officio member of the selection committee. Cheema's role, alongside Usman Wahla, Director of International Cricket who will assume the position of Secretary, will primarily involve coordinating the committee's activities, without direct decision-making authority.